There’s something so appealing about financial freedom.
And I’m not talking about the kind that lets you splurge on yachts or designer handbags—it’s the kind that gives you the freedom to say “no” to the things you don’t want and “yes” to the life you’ve always imagined.
Lately, I’ve noticed that those who achieve this magical state in their 30s have something in common—it’s not luck, and it’s definitely not a lottery win.
It’s their habits. You see, financial freedom isn’t a fairy tale; it’s a series of small, deliberate choices that add up over time.
And while I’ve made my fair share of financial mistakes (hello, unnecessary luxury handbag phase), I’ve also picked up a thing or two from people who’ve mastered the art of money on their terms.
Here are eight habits that set these financially free go-getters apart—habits that might just make you rethink how you approach money and freedom.
1) They start early
Financial freedom isn’t something that just happens overnight.
Those who achieve it in their 30s often start planning and taking action in their teens or early twenties.
Think about it, the earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to grow. It’s all about the power of compound interest, my friend.
Now, I’m not saying you have to start investing millions right out of high school. But getting into the habit of saving and investing, even small amounts, can make a massive difference in the long run.
So, if you’re aiming for financial freedom, take a leaf out of the book of those who’ve achieved it early. Start now, start small if you must, but start nonetheless.
But keep in mind, while starting early is key, it’s never too late to start. So don’t let age deter you from your financial freedom journey.
2) They live below their means
This is a big one, and it’s something I’ve personally experienced in my own journey towards financial freedom.
When I landed my first high paying job, the temptation to upgrade my lifestyle was immense.
I could finally afford all those luxuries I had always dreamed of. A fancy car, a bigger apartment, designer clothes – the world was my oyster! But then a mentor of mine gave me a piece of advice that changed everything.
He said, “Just because you can afford it, doesn’t mean you should buy it.”
Intriguing, right? Well, I took his advice and instead of upgrading my lifestyle, I chose to live below my means.
This didn’t mean I was scrimping and saving every penny. Rather, I enjoyed life but made sure to save and invest a good portion of my salary.
Those who reach financial freedom in their 30s often practice this same habit. Instead of spending their entire paycheck, they save and invest, ensuring their money works for them.
It’s not always easy. Sometimes the allure of instant gratification can be hard to resist. But trust me, the long-term rewards are worth it.
3) They diversify their income
In this day and age, relying on a single income stream is a risky strategy.
Those who attain financial freedom early tend to understand this concept well.
Consider the story of the average millionaire. Did you know that most millionaires have not one, not two, but seven streams of income?
They are not just earning money from their day job. They’re making money from investments, rental income, side businesses, and more.
Diversifying income streams reduces the risk. If one stream dries up, you’ve got others to fall back on. It also opens up opportunities for more money to save and invest, speeding up the journey to financial freedom.
4) They set clear financial goals
Achieving financial freedom isn’t a vague dream for these individuals; it’s a well-defined goal.
They know exactly what they want, when they want it, and most importantly, they devise a plan on how to achieve it.
Whether it’s saving a certain amount of money, paying off their debts by a certain date, or reaching a specific net worth, these goals give them direction. It’s like having a financial roadmap that guides them throughout their journey.
What’s more, they don’t just set these goals and forget about them. They regularly review and adjust their goals based on their current situation and future aspirations.
Having clear financial goals not only gives you a sense of purpose but also motivates you to stay on track. So, if financial freedom is what you’re aiming for, start setting your own financial goals today.
5) They value experiences over possessions
There’s a beautiful quality that many who achieve financial freedom in their 30s share – they cherish experiences more than material things.
They understand that the joy derived from buying the latest gadget or a luxury car is often fleeting.
But the memories made from a beautiful trip, a shared meal with loved ones, or simply time spent with family and friends, those are priceless and lasting.
This doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy nice things or splurge once in a while. But they prioritize what truly matters to them, and more often than not, it’s about creating meaningful experiences rather than accumulating possessions.
This shift in mindset not only enriches their lives but also helps them save money and stay focused on their financial goals.
After all, the less you spend on things you don’t need, the more you can invest towards your financial freedom.
6) They embrace learning and growth
A few years ago, I found myself in a financial rut.
Despite earning a decent income, I was living paycheck to paycheck, with little to no savings. It was then that I realized I needed to educate myself about personal finance.
Like me, those who attain financial freedom early understand that knowledge is power. They’re not afraid to admit when they don’t know something, and they actively seek out knowledge.
They read books, attend seminars, listen to podcasts, and learn from financial experts.
They’re constantly looking for ways to grow their wealth, reduce their expenses, and make smarter financial decisions.
This constant thirst for learning and growth is what sets them apart. It’s what allows them to navigate the complexities of personal finance and come out on top.
7) They’re not afraid to take calculated risks
The road to financial freedom is rarely a straight line.
It’s often dotted with opportunities that can either propel you forward or set you back, depending on the decisions you make.
Those who achieve financial freedom early understand this. They know that some level of risk is necessary to grow their wealth.
Whether it’s investing in stocks, starting their own business, or buying real estate, they’re not afraid to take calculated risks. They do their homework, weigh the pros and cons, and then make informed decisions.
It’s important to note that these are not reckless risks. Every move is calculated and thought out. It’s about being brave enough to step out of your comfort zone, but wise enough to know when and where to take that step.
8) They keep their eyes on the prize
The journey towards financial freedom is not easy.
It’s filled with sacrifices, hard choices, and sometimes, setbacks. But those who achieve it early have an unwavering focus on their end goal.
They don’t get swayed by short-term temptations or discouraged by temporary hurdles. They keep their eyes on the prize and stay committed to their financial freedom goal, no matter what.
This unwavering focus acts as their compass, guiding them through the ups and downs of their financial journey. And ultimately, it’s this focus that helps them cross the finish line ahead of time.
Final thoughts
You know, when I first started thinking about financial freedom, I thought it was all spreadsheets and dollar signs.
But now I see it’s so much more than that—it’s a mindset. The kind that lets you choose experiences over clutter, think long-term instead of chasing instant highs, and believe there’s always a way forward, even when the numbers don’t seem to add up.
It’s unrealistic to be perfect or never make mistakes (we all splurge sometimes), but it is possible to stay curious, stay focused, and stay true to what you really want.
Those who find financial freedom in their 30s didn’t get there by chance—they got there by building habits that shaped their lives, one smart choice at a time.
So, as you consider your next steps, maybe it’s time to ask yourself: What small shift could you make today that your future self would thank you for?
Because financial freedom isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of thinking, living, and showing up for yourself.
